LA 2009: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Official Debut

Yesterday we had the opportunity to see Cadillac’s brand new CTS Coupe model and today we were on hand for the car’s official world premiere at the LA Auto Show. The CTS Coupe expands Cadillac’s CTS lineup to now include a sedan, Sport Wagon and the CTS-V sedan. Cadillac has confirmed a CTS-V Coupe is coming and we expect it to arrive at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in about a month’s time. A CTS-V Sport Wagon is also a strong possibility.

One engine will be offered, a 304-hp 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 that achieves maximum power at 6400 rpm. Full torque of 273 ft-lbs will be available at 5200 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard with an available six-speed paddle-shift automatic. A limited-lip differential is also included. Cadillac rates this engine at 18/27 mpg (city/highway) for rear-wheel drive or AWD models equipped with the auto-box, while the manual transmission is rated at 17/25 mpg. AWD models will only be offered with an automatic.

The Coupe certainly has the style to compete in this segment against cars like the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Infiniti G37 Coupe, as well as more high-end offerings like the Audi A5 and Mercedes E-Class Coupe – we’r ejust not sure if it has enough horsepower to keep up.

The CTS Coupe is based on the same chassis as the sedan, with the same wheelbase, but an overall height that is roughly two-inches (51mm) lower and a length that is also 51mm shorter. Unlike the sedan, however, it is not a five-seater but a 2+2.

It may look significantly like the sedan, but little of the sheet metal (or anything else for that matter) is actually shared. In fact, the only identical arts are the headlights, front fenders and grille and the instrument panel and center stack. Original design cues on the two-door include the lack of B-pillars and the use of hidden door handles to give a smooth look to the coupe. Other highlights include a more steeply angled windshield and rear glass as well as a dual-exhaust setup with both pipes placed together in the center at the rear of the car.

Optional goodies include two performance packages, the first with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires, and a second with 19-inch wheels and high-performance Summer Tires. Also optional will be the 14-way power Recaro sport seats that until now could only be had on the CTS-V.

The CTS Coupe is scheduled to go on sale in the Spring of next year.